Amazon plans Illinois operations, 1,000 jobs

Amazon.com Inc. plans to open at least one distribution facility in Illinois and eventually hire more than 1,000 full-time employees.

Seattle-based Amazon is starting work on site selection and intends to open its first state facility next year, according to a statement from the company, Gov. Pat Quinn and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois.

Amazon, the biggest U.S. e-commerce retailer, plans to start creating jobs next year, reaching at least 1,000 in 2017, the statement said, and is investing $75 million.

"Amazon is considering several options beyond a distribution center" but "has made no decisions on that," a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said in an email.

“The state of Illinois has an excellent workforce and we're excited to roll up our sleeves and find the right locations, break ground and start hiring,” Paul Misener, Amazon's vice president of global public policy, said in the statement.

Officials say no state incentives have been offered to Amazon.

"The state is willing to negotiate subsidy agreements once Amazon’s specific plans are known." the DCEO spokesman wrote. "Any agreement will require Amazon to meet performance targets and will ensure that the state receives an economic benefit greater than its investment."